News

Dog could be destroyed after ‘very nasty bite’

Published

8 years ago

October 11, 2017

A WOMAN from Pembroke appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Oct 11) to admit a charge of owning a dog which was dangerously out of control in July 2017, leading to two people she had known for many years getting injured.

Linzi Marie James of Whitehall Avenue conceded that it was her Jack Russell cross, called Toddy, which injured her two neighbours contrary to section 31 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The offence carries a sentence of up to six months in jail, and the bench have said they will consider all options for sentence.

Prosecutor Vaughan Prichard Jones told the court that the incident happened at around midday. Both neighbours were at home with their husbands in the small cul-de-sac where they live, and both ladies became aware independently that there were three dogs running around outside.

Mr Pritchard Jones said: “The first victim was concerned that the dogs may run into her garage so she went out the front of the house. One of the dogs went in and she tried to shoo the dog. The dog came for her, teeth showing, she felt contact, the dog grazed her but had not bit her. In her attempt to get away, she fell backwards and this caused a fracture in her shoulder.

“The dog then ran across the road and the other neighbour says she then felt a bite to her leg. I have to say it was a very nasty bite. The dog took a chunk out of her leg. She had to have a skin graft. She says that since the operation her mobility has been severely restricted. She says that three weeks after the incident she can only walk a short distance and cannot drive: ‘I have to keep my leg elevated, if not it just aches’. She says that looking back at it all, ‘I didn’t have a fear of dogs but now I do’.”

“My main fear is what could have happened had it been a child,” one of the complainants said in their Victim Impact Statement.

James was interviewed about how the dog got out and she said a friend of hers put a stack of pallets near her fence, which she thought the dogs used to jump the fence.

It was the one dog, the Jack Russell, responsible on both occasions, the court heard.

“The prosecution seeks a destruction order for the dog due to the nature of the injuries. My friend will oppose that and we have no objection for the case being adjourned for that to be decided at a later hearing,” added Mr Pritchard Jones.

Katie Hanson, defending, said that her client was devastated by what had happened.

“She is so remorseful. The complainants are neighbours who she has known her entire life. She has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. We will be asking for an adjournment. She has looked after the dog for a long time, he is 10 years of age. She is a lady who has a number of dogs. She has fostered dogs and kittens for rescue centres. Nothing of this nature has ever happened before. The night this happened the fence was extended in the front garden to make sure that this will never happen again. There has been no problem with the dog since this happened in July,” Ms Hanson continued.

“We have instructed a behaviourist to help us to oppose the destruction of the dog, and we will provide evidence at the next hearing. I have not received the complainant’s statements – we haven’t received that yet so there is still work to be done. I think it is important we have all the evidence before we can make a decision of this nature.”

At the end of the hearing it was decided the case would be adjourned. The Chair of the bench said: “We are happy to put the matter back, and we need an all options pre-sentence report. We are looking at all sentencing options in this case.”

The case to decide the sentence for Linzi James and the future of her dog, Toddy, will be decided on October 31.

Education

Tenby school feasibility study confirms roof system failure

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Safety concerns deepen as Cabinet prepares to discuss full roof replacement

SIGNIFICANT new detail has emerged about the structural issues affecting Tenby VC School, with a Pembrokeshire County Council feasibility study confirming that the building’s roof system has deteriorated to the point where only a full replacement will make the site safe.

Built in 2016, the school has suffered ongoing water ingress and damage to its Structural Insulated Panels. The council commissioned a detailed investigation earlier this year, which has now concluded that “Design Option 5” – a complete roof replacement – is the only viable long-term solution. Cabinet is due to consider the findings at its meeting on Monday (Nov 3).

Urgent health and safety measures remain in place at the site, including the installation of 510 acro props across affected sections of the building and the closure of the Early Years and playgroup wing. The council has confirmed that a full decant of pupils and staff will be required while construction takes place, with options for temporary accommodation currently being reviewed.

Routine monitoring is continuing on a half-termly basis, alongside monthly checks of the acro props. A further report setting out a full decant strategy is expected to come before Cabinet no later than January 2026.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said the safety of pupils and staff remained the council’s priority. He added: “The findings of the feasibility study are clear. Only a full roof replacement will provide the secure and modern learning environment our children deserve. We are committed to working closely with the school community to minimise disruption and ensure continuity of education throughout the process.”

Further updates on the council’s decision and the decant arrangements will follow as more information becomes available.

Crime

Fire at newly opened Llandysul gym prompts police investigation

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

One person arrested; founders vow they will ‘reopen in no time’

A FIRE at a newly opened gym in Llandysul has led to the arrest of one person, with police treating the incident as suspected arson.

Emergency crews were called to Y Gampfa, the new fitness hub in the town, during the early hours of Thursday, November 13 – less than a fortnight after its official launch on November 1.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that one individual has been arrested and later released on bail while enquiries continue. Officers are urging anyone with information to come forward.

‘Deeply saddened but relieved no one was hurt’

Co-founder James Turner said the team had been left devastated by the incident so soon after opening.

“We are deeply saddened by what has happened to our recently launched Y Gampfa gym,” he said. “Most importantly, we are relieved that none of our staff or members were inside at the time. The damage is confined to the building and equipment, and no one was injured.”

The gym had attracted strong early interest, bolstered by support from fitness influencers Emily Olivia and Tyle Smith.

Founders determined to reopen

Co-founder Josh Farmer said the fire had hit the team hard but insisted the project would continue.

“This has been incredibly disheartening after the time, work and passion that went into creating a new wellbeing space for the community,” he said. “Because there is an active criminal investigation, we can’t discuss details, but we want to reassure members that Y Gampfa will reopen as soon as possible.”

The gym’s open day earlier this month drew hundreds of residents, and more than 200 members signed up within the first days of trading.

Co-founder Steffan Evans paid tribute to the community response.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support,” he said. “People’s messages, offers of help and encouragement show exactly why this place matters. We also want to thank the emergency services for their swift response.”

Fellow co-founder James Stewart added: “With the backing of our friends, families and the wider community, we are determined to rebuild. We look forward to welcoming everyone back as soon as we can.”

Police appeal

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police on 101, or report anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Y Gampfa opened earlier this month after being founded in 2025 by Steffan Evans, Josh Farmer, James Stewart and James Turner, all from the Teifi Valley, with the aim of offering an inclusive fitness space “where everyone belongs”.

Health

Urgent warning as fake NHS calls target GP patients

Published

3 hours ago

November 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Scammers threaten to ‘remove people from practice lists’ in new phone fraud

A WARNING has been issued after reports of a new scam in which fraudsters pretend to be calling from the NHS, telling people they must “update their GP records” or risk being removed from their doctor’s patient list.

The automated calls appear to come from ordinary UK mobile numbers. Patients are told they must act immediately or face being struck off. Health officials have confirmed the calls are entirely fraudulent.

The NHS has stressed it will never phone patients to demand updates to their records, threaten removal from a GP list, or ask for personal or bank details.

Cybersecurity specialist Javvad Malik said the scam works because it plays on people’s trust and sense of urgency. “When you hear something about your GP records, it sounds official,” he said. “If you’re busy, you may react before you have the chance to think. Never share personal or payment details with an unsolicited caller.”

What to do if you receive one of these calls
• Do not respond to any of the instructions.
• Hang up straight away.
• Contact your GP practice using the number on its official website or your appointment letters.
• Never click on links or call any numbers given in a suspicious message.

If you have already engaged with the scam
• Tell your GP practice what happened so they can reassure you that no action is needed.
• If you disclosed bank information, contact your bank immediately.
• Change any passwords you reused and enable two-factor authentication.
• Report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Be cautious of any further suspicious calls, texts or emails.

Patients across the UK are being urged to stay alert and warn family members, particularly older or vulnerable people, who may be more likely to engage with an automated call.